vacations ANNUAL EDITION 2023
an amazing
Make-Over Grand Mercure Basildene Manor
+ ACCOR VACATION CLUB TRAVEL + REFURBISHMENT UPDATES + MEMBER MOMENTS + MEET THE TEAM
w w w . a c c o r v a c a t i o n c l u b . c o m . a u
annual edition • 2023
CONTENTS
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14
3 4 5 6 12 14 19 20 22 26 27 28 29 30
From the CEO All Live Limitless Amore Refurbishments Update Member Moments Meet the Member Services Team Interval International Accor Vacation Club Travel - Virgin Voyages Accor Vacation Club Travel - Celebrity Edge Accor Vacation Club Travel - Experience river cruising Accor Vacation Club Travel - Australia by Train Let’s get Social Accor Plus Important Contacts
Vacations Magazine is an Accor Vacation Club Members’ Publication released annually updating Members on new and exciting developments within the Club. Vacations Magazine started out in 2002 as “Vacations of a Lifetime Newsletter” consisting of only 4 pages. editor: Sharon Norburn - General Manager, Member Services and Guest Experience designer: Troy Davanzo - Communications Manager articles: A special thanks to all Accor Vacation Club Travel Consultants and Members for their contribution.
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We make every effort to ensure that the content in this magazine is correct at the time of printing. However, some items outside of our control may change from time to time.
FROM THE CEO Dear Member, I am pleased to be able to report that the challenges we encountered during the pandemic are way behind us, a distant memory in our rearview mirror! This year we have gone from strength to strength recording strong growth patterns in all our Club usage program. Our resorts continue to maintain strong occupancy across the portfolio with many Members enjoying multiple stays in our resorts this year. Please remember to look out for our monthly lastminute availability messages we send to you to ensure that you don’t miss out on some great holiday opportunities over the coming months. In addition to staying in our Club properties, we continue to see an uplift of the utilization of our Accor Hotel Select programs. This year we recorded over 13,000 room nights across 68 locations across the Asia Pacific region. Our new Premiere Flex program launch has been incredibility well received with many Members using their points to explore holiday options in new destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Next year, we will continue to grow this program to add additional locations for you to use your Premiere Flex Points. Accor Vacation Club Travel, our one-stop-shop for all your travel needs, has had its busiest year since inception, with a record number of 703 cruise booking’s departed this year. When you are looking to book flights, car hire, and other travel-related products, don’t forget to call the Travel Club team for a competitive quote. International travel through our exchange partner Interval International has also reported significant growth in reservations this year with Members exchanging their points to holiday in so many locations across the globe, the most popular destinations being Orlando, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Phuket.
Closer to home, our property refurbishment team have been extremely busy, completing the total refurbishment of the Grand Mercure Basildene Manor and the Sebel Darling Harbour - the Pinnacle. Both resorts continue to hold the top positions in their categories on TripAdvisor, testament to the quality of the resorts as well as the amazing hotel operation teams. If you haven’t stayed at one of these properties yet, I would strongly recommend you do so next year. The team also completed several partial refurbishments at the Mercure Gold Coast, Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour, Links Lady Bay, and Wanaka. It’s a continuous improvement plan we are very proud of, as we continue into next year with the full refurbishment of Sebel Creswick Resort, Sebel Busselton and the Grand Mercure Hunter Valley, along with a partial make-over of our Nusa Dua, Bali apartments. Please remember to follow us on Facebook for an ongoing progress report on all these projects. On a personal note, I would like to thank all of you for your ongoing support this year, I have immensely enjoyed meeting so many of you throughout the year and appreciate all your messages you sent to me via our website. Finally, to those of you celebrating Christmas, my festive greetings to you all, and to all of you, I wish you a happy and healthy 2024, full of love, laughter, happiness and of courseHolidays!
Happy Holidays,
Craig Wood ceo@accorvacationclub.com.au
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Member Referral Program Exclusive to Members, Amore opens the door to a world of privileges and rewards. Refer your friends and family today! Because when you refer friends and family who become active Members of Accor Vacation Club you will be eligible to receive either $500 cash towards your Club Fees, or a 500 Discovery Dollars Accor Vacation Club Travel Voucher, or a A-Gift 5 Night Holiday at various destinations across the Asia Pacific Region.
Call Today for more information: AU 1800 803 270, NZ 0800 001 707 or email: referrals@accorvacationclub.com.au
ANNUAL EDITION 2023
An amazing
Make-Over Grand Mercure Basildene Manor
G
rand Mercure Basildene Manor eceived a full hotel revamp in both guest rooms and public areas showing a modern twist on heritage styling. In-room renovations included a full strip out and redesign of the bedrooms with new feature bedheads, window dressings, carpets, lighting and soft furnishings and décor with bathrooms receiving new tapware and feature walls. The hotel door system received the latest in innovative electronic key system which in the future will be configured to mobile phone technology providing future seamless phone check in and room access. Hotel common areas were recarpeted and new lighting installed throughout, with a feature piece reception desk and chandelier to the main entry and new tiling and blinds to the conservatory which overlooks the manicured gardens. The guest lounges received soft touches including scatter cushions, paint and décor items. The new property bar is due for completion in 2024 and will replace one of the guest lounges with a fully designed hardwood bar and complementary decor.
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REFURBISHMENTS Grand Mercure Basildene Manor Accor Vacation Club Apartments
New Nespresso coffee machines and Sunbeam kettles were installed into all rooms.
Studio Deluxe Room
ANNUAL EDITION 2023
Mercure Gold Coast Resort Accor Vacation Club Apartments
T
this property undertook a minor refurbishment to lighten and brighten all rooms and included internal painting, furniture repairs, grout and silicon cleaning and replacement throughout. A pop of colour was added to the rooms with new artwork, coloured bed throws and additional new scatter cushions. New Sunbeam colour matched kettles and toasters were also installed in all rooms.
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Gold Coast
REFURBISHMENTS
Pacific Bay Resort
Accor Vacation Club Apartments
A
freshen up to all rooms, with internal painting, furniture repairs, grout and silicone cleaning and replacement throughout. New bedside lamps were installed, colour matched Sunbeam branded kettles and toasters, and new washing machines and dryers were installed throughout. New cushion inserts for scatter cushions were installed to plump and rejuvenate, and a clean for all soft furnishings and carpets was undertaken. New living room floor rugs were added to enhance the warmth and comfort of the flooring.
New South Wales
ANNUAL EDITION 2023
REFURBISHMENTS The Links Lady Bay
Accor Vacation Club Apartments
A
short but sweet tidy up of all rooms with internal painting, grout and silicone cleaning and replacement throughout. Carpets were replaced with hybrid flooring in the high traffic living areas and a hand loomed floor rug placed in the lounge. New cushion inserts for scatter cushions were installed to plump and rejuvenate, and a clean for all soft furnishings and carpets was undertaken. Colour matched Sunbeam branded kettles and toaster were installed into all rooms.
Meet the
The Refurbishment Team
Darren Diffey – Technical Services and Refurbishments Manager As department manager, Darren overseas all aspects of the Resort Services Team with a major focus on refurbishment planning and project management, body corporate, utilities, capital expenditure and environmental sustainability governance. Melanie Johnson – Procurement and Contracts Supervisor Working side by side with Darren on all aspects of the refurbishment projects, including procurement and contracting to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Melanie also looks after contracting of service and supply agreements and any major property projects required. Jay Goodman – Technical Services Supervisor Jay’s skills lie in the technical details of all manner of property maintenance and services at all our AVC properties. He is responsible for ensuring all apartments are maintained to the highest level for our members, compliance protocols are in place and supply items are in line with the AVC standards.
(Left to Right) Tia, Melanie, Jay and Darren
Tia Page – Resort Operations Coordinator As support for all properties and the Resort Services Team, Tia is invaluable in ensuring all administration tasks are executed, and supports all properties in all manner of things from supplying replacement items, providing guest letters to ensuring information is maintained for our properties and team members alike.
New South Wales
The Sebel Darling Harbour The Pinnacle
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full refurb on this chic inner-city property included refurbishments to guest rooms, corridors, reception and the roof top entertaining area. All room fittings and fixtures were extracted and donated to the Lismore Lions Club, who have been able to rehome items to some of the thousands of residents of who are still struggling to find and replace their homes and furnishings which were all but destroyed during unprecedented flooding which occurred in February 2022. Renovations to the guest rooms included new carpets throughout, bespoke furniture, artwork, décor items, lighting, window shutters and curtains. Kitchens and bathrooms were upgraded with feature tiles, shower screens and tapware, with filtered water mixers and water jugs placed in the kitchens in keeping with Accor’s charter to reduce single use plastics. New kitchen appliances and Sunbeam kettle and toasters were installed in all rooms with washing machines and dryers undergoing full services. All guest floor corridors were recarpeted, and the guest foyer revamped with new reception desk, furniture and art. The spectacular roof top entertainment area was completely renovated with the waterproof membrane fully replaced, new deck, vergola, furniture, lighting, BBQ area, putting green and pot plants providing an unmatched entertaining area on the top floor of the building.
1 Bedroom Deluxe Room
ANNUAL EDITION 2023
12
Member
Moments Take a look at a few of the special moments captured recently at our properties. Where will you celebrate your next milestone?
Anniversaries Weddings
Birthdays
Accor Vacation Club Surprise and Delight moments (in no particular order) from The Sebel Manly Beach. We have; Mr and Mrs Murphy; Frances (Kon was celebrating a birthday stay with us but missing from the pic), Veronica Bereton (fun fact she loves to travel and learn languages, Spanish is the current one); and lastly the Punni Family who came to enjoy some time away during school holidays from Adelaide. #SurpriseandDelight#AccorVacationClub #ilovemytimeshare #ATHOC
Yes we make it our ambition to capture those
‘Special Moments’ to make your holiday a memorable one!
W
e love nothing more than helping our Members celebrate whilst holidaying with the Club. Whether it be a special anniversary, birthday, retirement, whatever the occasion let us help you celebrate! Just let us know at the time of the reservation and we shall inform the resort team who will be ready and waiting for you with a little surprise.
Making Memories Peppers Manly Beach
12
Accor Vacation Club
#MEMBER MOMENTS
A beautiful Surprise And Delight moment for Carlo and Marie, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at The Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort. They were chuffed with their cake surprise. #SurpriseandDelight#AccorVacationClub #ilovemytimeshare #ATHOC
Accor Vacation Club Surprise (and definite delight) for Chris! Happy Members Dave and Chris recently celebrated Chris’s birthday at The Sebel Darling Harbour The Pinnacle, enjoying a bottle of wine for the occasion #SurpriseandDelight#AccorVacationClub #ilovemytimeshare #ATHOC
Accor Vacation Club Edward and Cesarita enjoyed their recent celebrations at Grand Mercure Basildene Manor, Accor Vacation Club Apartments for Edward’s 83rd birthday. Happy Birthday! #SurpriseandDelight#AccorVacationClub #ilovemytimeshare #ATHOC
30th Wedding Anniversary The Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort
Like a fine wine!
The Sebel Darling Harbour the Pinnacle Accor Vacation Club John and Kim had a SurpriseAndDelight moment recently at The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park while celebrating their Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to you both. #SurpriseandDelight#AccorVacationClub #ilovemytimeshare #ATHOC
Accor Vacation Club Members John and Sue stayed for the third time this year at Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort. This time was John’s birthday who were delighted with a Surprise and Delight moment. #AccorVacationClub #BasildeneManorCelebrations #Surpriseanddelight
Happy Birthday Edward, 83 years young Grand Mercure Basildene Manor
Accor Vacation Club Congratulations to the Dalin’s who celebrated their wedding anniversary recently at Novotel Bali Nusa Dua. We hope you enjoy your stay and your Surprise And Delight moment. #AccorVacationClub #SurpriseandDelight #Anniversary #Bali
Congratulations
The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park Accor Vacation Club A big ‘Happy Birthday’ Surprise and Delight moment for members Gillian and Stephen on their seventeenth holiday at The Sebel Palm Cove.
Happy Birthday John! Grand Mercure Puka Park
#SurpriseandDelight#AccorVacationClub #ilovemytimeshare #ATHOC
Time for some Cake! Yum... Novotel Bali Nusa Dua
Accor Vacation Club Mrs Bristow celebrated her birthday while staying at The Sebel Busselton recently. #SurpriseandDelight#AccorVacationClub #ilovemytimeshare #ATHOC
Tell us about your
‘Special Occasion’
and we’ll make it one to remember Happy Birthday The Sebel Palm Cove
Happy Birthday The Sebel Busselton
ANNUAL EDITION 2023
THE TEAM
R E B MEM ICES V R E S
Meet the team...
I like to go above and beyond for them so they can ultimately experience a wonderful holiday at a club property. I would recommend to members to always give us a ring with any queries they may have about their membership, that is what we are here for, and we love to chat at Member Services!
Jenny Zafir Now heading towards my second year working with the welcoming Accor Vacation Club Member Services team, I feel a real sense of belonging here and almost a part of the furniture! I find my role in helping members that haven’t been able to use their membership in a while really rewarding and it gives me huge pleasure to help and assist members so they can use their membership to their greater advantage. 14
Having our office on the Gold Coast creates a great excuse for me to cycle to the office along the Broadwater which puts me in a good mood each day. All my time out of work is devoted to my cherished daughter, life is hectic and fun all rolled into one and I wouldn’t want it any other way! ...............................................................
Ana Manu I moved to Australia from NZ in 2011 and worked in Customer Service and Management roles in the Finance/ Banking sectors. In October 2023 I became part of the Accor Vacation Club family working in the Billings department as the Team Leader. I was attracted to the position because I am passionate about helping people get out of debt and believed this coupled with my experience could affect positive change for our members. I love helping members understand payment options available, assisting
with setting up payment plans or simply taking a payment over the phone. It is also very exciting hearing about highlights from their holidays, helping them book a holiday or sharing what new products or holidays we have coming up. Outside of work I love to spend my time with my husband and five beautiful grandchildren. Walks along the beach or nature walking, fishing, kayaking and swimming is only a fraction of the smorgasbord of adventure that we share. My gift to me is making time to go to the gym at least four days a week! ...............................................................
situation is different. My goal here as a Member Services team co-ordinator is to “personalise” my service to our members in the hope I have delivered to some of our members. What I also love about working here is our Team. We cannot succeed in making our Members satisfied without our “team work”. We help, advise, encourage each other and of course laugh together. I love learning new things either from my colleagues and members. I always truly value gaining new experiences and insights, and challenging my boundaries by working here. “Everything happens for a reason.” I appreciate every day at work for what I do, and what I learn. Looking forward to speaking with you! :) ARIGATO! Maya
etc, being a dedicated consultant for many of Australia’s large corporate businesses. I feel very fortunate to have worked in this industry and have lifelong friends who were colleagues but and also some of my clients. This Industry also meant I had the opportunity to travel frequently and with my partner also originally from the UK. We have visited some wonderful destinations around the world with the highlight for me being the Amalfi Coast in Italy for my 50th Birthday. My role with AVC began after COVID with the many changes within the Travel Industry and I am very grateful to be working alongside a wonderful team of people whose focus is to ensure Members are able to enjoy holidays and make memories with their families.
Maya Sutherland
Also to ensure members understand how their membership works and I particularly enjoy conducting our Telephone Workshops – which are a personal one on one with members which allows me to understand their needs and help with the membership.
I have been working at Accor Vacation Club in the Reservation and Member Services Team for 5 years now, and enjoy my role as a Member Services Team Coordinator.
Outside of work I love spending time with my partner, my daughter and close friends. We enjoy the outdoors, good food, good wine and most importantly good company.
I am originally from Japan and have been in Australia for more than 10 years. I have worked as a flight attendant with Japan Airlines (FYI: I am not tall, very typical short Japanese girl), and as a Receptionist and Reservations Agent/ Event Coordinator in hotels, so I have an extensive background in customer service.
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As a flight attendant, I travelled a lot and realised how holidays and travelling provide new experiences and memories. Also I have learnt the importance of “Enjoy Every Moment Of Your Life”, especially after the Covid pandemic when we experienced that we could not see family or friends close or far. Even though I often get jealous when our Members book holidays (haha), assisting them to make this happen makes me so very happy. Just imagining how their holidays will be and what special memories and experiences they will have. I strongly believe that everyone’s
Raewyn Wensor I was born in Northern NSW and raised on a dairy farm – it was a wonderful way of life in a beautiful part of Australia. Once I completed school I moved to Brisbane and completed an Executive Secretarial Course and was then employed by Air Queensland – a regional airline who operated within Queensland and servicing regional ports. This began my career in the Airline Business. Air Queensland was purchased by Australian Airlines and then Australian Airlines became Qantas. My career with these Airlines totalled 35 years and involved varied roles in retail, training, but predominantly in the corporate travel area of the business where I assisted clients with booking flights (all airlines), accommodation, car hire, limousines
Sandy Warren I have been with Accor Vacation Club in Reservations since August 2021. Prior to working at AVC I had worked a variety of roles within the Aviation industry, Government, and also as a nanny and a shop assistant before falling into hospitality many years ago. I really enjoy working at AVC, assisting our lovely members with making bookings and any other enquiries or ANNUAL EDITION 2023
assistance that they may need. I also enjoy the wonderful supportive team that I work within. In my spare time I like to dabble in furniture painting, making cushions, lamps, and other crafty things. ...............................................................
Nikki Castellaro I was born here in Queensland but have lived most of my life in southwest WA. After spending a year traveling the globe with my sister, I settled into life here on the Gold Coast and jumped at the opportunity to work with the Accor Vacation Club. I’ve only been with the Reservations team for a very short time but have enjoyed every moment of my three months and am looking forward to bringing my firsthand travel experience to members and helping them to create memories that will last a lifetime.
made them is a great feeling. My career life has taken me all over Australia. I worked for Supercheap Auto for seven years, four years of that was spent on the road with their store improvements team, refurbishing, relocating and opening new stores. I grew up in country NSW, riding horses since I was two years old. My mum carted me all over NSW competing in horse events. I was very active in my school days, with competing in state championships for running and swimming. Outside of work, I have my own family, with a partner and our beautiful son (8 months). My partner also has another son (12yo) we see every second weekend. We live in Coombabah on the Gold Coast in a 3 bedroom townhouse. We also have two ragdoll cats (Frankie & Marvin) who are very entertaining. I love to spend time with my family, either at a gathering or at home. My partner and myself love taking our son swimming, he loves the water and putting his head under. My partner is very supportive of my work and me being a new mum, looking after our son while I am at work helping members book their holidays. ...............................................................
our Members. I enjoy helping them plan their holidays where they create wonderful memories with their families. I like to ensure each and every Member I speak to comes away with a better understanding of how their membership works. I enjoy the positive impact I have on our Members with the knowledge they receive from our wonderful Member Services team. Outside of work I am an avid animal lover and have rescue dogs. Two gorgeous staffies and one American Bully. In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs. ...............................................................
Daniella Gatuteo Ive been working for the Billings Department for the last 18 months, and I love what I do. My line of work is rewarding daily. Assisting members with their membership and getting them away on holiday is a great experience for all.
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Michele Jones Lindsay Wilson I work in the reservations team at Accor Vacation Club on the Gold Coast. I have been here for almost 2 years now. I love working with my team and always enjoy speaking with our members about their reservation needs. It makes my day when I have booked in a holiday for one of our members, to know how happy I have 16
I was born in New Zealand and raised on very a remote sheep and cattle station with my parents and 3 sisters. Riding my horse to school was a way of life. Having lived most of my life in Australia, I met and married an Australian. We have a son who is studying to become a commercial pilot. I have travelled extensively and lived in varied parts of the world. My working career has been based around customer service in various industries. I very much enjoy assisting
Alyssa Hyslop My name is Alyssa, I have been working for Accor Vacation Club since March 2023 after moving to Australia from New Zealand. I work in our reservations department assisting members with making wonderful holidays!
I love connecting and making relationships with our members which makes my job so special to me. I look forward to speaking with you! ...............................................................
Monica Rixon I have been working with Accor Vacation Club since November 2015.
Karen Tranter
During this time I was a Member Services Co-ordinator and then was promoted to Reservations Team Leader.
I moved to Australia from New Zealand in 1995 and have predominately worked in Hospitality for most of my career with a stint in Banking as well in.
Most of my career has been in hospitality, working in restaurants and car rental companies before moving to Accor.
I have worked with Accor for nearly 9 years, 5.5 years as a Housekeeping Supervisor and now the last 3 years at Accor Vacation Club in a variety of roles starting as a Member Services co-ordinator, moving to a secondment role of Reservations Team Leader to where I now sit as a Billings Collection Officer.
Since working with Accor I have created a beautiful family and have 3 little boys who keep me very busy.
I really love assisting our members to get away on holiday and sharing any travel tips I have. Hearing about their holidays and sharing my holidays and must go places is so enjoyable and beneficial for all our members.
I enjoy helping members to maximise their membership and hearing their stories when they have made life long memories with their families. I love the connections that I have made and continue to make with our members over the years.
I really enjoy helping our members get the most out of their Memberships and love those feel good moments when someone calls to say how amazing there trip/holiday was. Outside of work I love spending time with friends and trying different restaurants here on the Gold Coast. I am a avid reader and you will always find me on a lazy Sunday with my head in a book. I love traveling and have just had a wonderful break away in Port Douglas and am planning my next trip to South East Asia. It’s a pleasure to assist our Members with a positive and friendly approach. I look forward to chatting with you. ...............................................................
When not at work I love spending time with my family and we spend a lot of time boating around the northern parts of the Gold Coast enjoying the sun, surf and sand.
small country town in the South Island of New Zealand. I went to Otago University in Dunedin where I studied a science degree. From there I went into the work force and worked as a postie for a few years. After having worked outside 6 Days a week in the cold snow and rain I soon decided that I would prefer the warmer weather and beaches so I packed up and moved over to the Gold Coast in December 2022. I’ve had a passion for travelling since I was a little girl. I was lucky enough to go on big family holidays every year. My favourite Place I’ve been is Hawaii, I could go back a million times and never get sick of it. In my spare time I love to be with friends on the beach or next to the pool with a drink in hand. I’m enjoying exploring The Gold Coast and seeing what my new home has to offer and am hoping I will be able to see more of Australia. I have been blessed to have made some amazing friends at Accor Vacation Club. Working with a great team has made the move from NZ a lot easier as this feels like my home away from home. I love hearing about member’s holidays and the amazing times they have. There is something so satisfying and special to be a part of these experiences. ...............................................................
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Michelle Kaukonde
Georgia Cairns I’ve been working at AVC for 10 months now and have loved every moment. I work in the reservations team where I enjoy helping our members plan their holidays. I’m originally from a
My name is Michelle Kaukonde . I have been working for Accor Vacation Club for a year now and I am originally from Zimbabwe. I love making bookings for members and enjoy speaking to them because it gives me a great feeling that I would have booked someone a great holiday. I ensure every member I speak with has a beautiful experience and this helps me learn more about the properties. ANNUAL EDITION 2023
I have been in Australia for 5 years and working for the hotel industry has always been a dream. I graduated from Monash University in Melbourne in 2022 where I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and International Relations. I love going to the gym, reading books and travelling to different places getting to know people from different cultural backgrounds. I love working here and Accor Vacation Club is another family to me as pretty much my whole family is back in my home country .
some lovely members.
Looking forward to speaking with you.
The team are amazing and I still feel very included even though I am based in another city.
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Accor has allowed me to challenge myself and has helped me grow as a young adult. I have been able to progress within my role and am learning something new every day. Being apart of the club has been a very good experience. They have been very flexible with my work needs and given me the opportunity to travel.
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Esther Waininau From completing my studies in event management, I went straight into working for The Sebel Manly in 2021. I have been offered many opportunities with the club since beginning. I was able to complete secondment at The Sebel Pinnacle Valley for 7 months which allowed me to meet new people and gain knowledge about another Club Properties. In 2022 I made the decision to move to the Gold Coast and was offered a position with the Reservations Department. Having the knowledge of 2 Club Properties I adapted to the role very quickly. I am now based at the Peppers Manly working the same role remotely. Accor Vacation Club has allowed me to move closer to my family but still be a part of their team. It has been a very seamless process and I am now able to assist members during their stay in Manly. I have been able to attend events in both Darling Harbour and Manly which has given me the opportunity to meet 18
Natalie Denisova I have worked a number of different jobs, most of them as Front of Office Reception and Office Management and have always enjoyed assisting people, whether it be clients of the company or team I work with. I have started working with Accor Vacation Club in April 2022 as Member Services co-ordinator assisting members with their holidays and getting the most out of their memberships with workshops or personalised advice. I have since moved into an administrative role for Member Services, Reservations and the Billing team and continue to assist members with transfers and many many other background tasks relating to their memberships. It is always nice to see the email from members after we finished a tricky transfer and the excitement they have for using the membership. Outside of work, I’ve always loved reading and painting which have also always worked wonderfully as stress relief. The landscape and sights of the Gold Coast are spectacular settings to practice both hobbies! ...............................................................
Krystal Dinsdale I am only new to the Accor Vacation Club and have so far been enjoying my role in Reservations. I moved to the Gold Coast from Brisbane a year ago and have always dreamed to work in the travel Industry. I was very happy when the opportunity became available to be apart of the Reservations Team and I have learnt so much since I have started. I enjoy assisting members in planning their holidays and always ensure every member I speak with has a great experience. I get excited hearing about their travel plans and reasons for travel and enjoy making it a seamless process for them. In my spare time I enjoy travelling to new locations, spending time at the beach, going on hikes and spending time with my friends. The Gold Coast is the perfect location for me, and I am so happy that I moved here. I look forward to speaking with you and planning your next holiday. ...............................................................
Paradise wherever you go. Exchange. Getaways. Hotels. Cruises. And more. Membership takes you everywhere. Enjoy a variety of travel benefits and access to thousands of resorts in desirable destinations close to home and around the world.
Visit intervalworld.com or call us on our new numbers: 1 800 718441* (Australia) | 0800 460069* (New Zealand) * Freephone from within country; please call +65 3105 2016 from all other countries (chargeable).
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Embark on an extraordinary journey with Celebrity Cruises, where luxury meets adventure. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder, navigating the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and navigating the unparalleled beauty of the South Pacific onboard the Celebrity Edge series.
ACCOR VACATION CLUB TRAVEL
THE BEST DINING EXPERIENCE AT SEA World-class restaurants that open your world. We’ve designed Celebrity Edge® to change the way you experience the world, and our culinary philosophy follows the same line of thinking. We’ve turned our focus to the destinations we visit, bringing the flavors of the world to you—right on board. 29 unique food and beverage experiences crafted by a Michelin-starred chef speak to all of your senses in distinctly different way
Experience a leading-edge holiday like no other. With an innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces that stand apart from anything else at sea, Celebrity Edge® will revolutionise the way you discover the world. The carefully curated itineraries promise an unforgettable trip, elevates your experience with premier dining and lavish accommodations, ensuring every moment is a celebration of indulgence. For a captivating exploration of Asia, set sail on a journey that transcends boundaries exploring exciting landmarks, culinary delights and immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures. No matter what your destination is, Celebrity Cruises invites you to indulge in a world of wonder.
ANNUAL EDITION 2023
Travel
S.S. MARIA THERESA BUDAPEST - HUNGARY
ACCOR VACATION CLUB TRAVEL On a river cruise, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and immersive cruise experience at a serene and relaxed pace. River cruising allows you to travel to cities, ports and hidden gems that are simply not accessible to larger cruise ships. If large crowds aren’t your thing, a river cruise might be just for you. With a smaller vessel and much lower guest capacity than your average cruise ship, it never feels overcrowded.
The famous Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise, featuring the statue of King Stephen I and the Parliament of Hungary in the background. When disembarking at various destinations, you step off your ship straight directly into the heart of each location, immersing yourself in unique cultural and culinary experiences along the way. With so many fantastic destinations, simply scroll down and select the perfect one for you.
ANNUAL EDITION 2023
POPULAR RIVER CRUISE DESTINATIONS Europe Immerse yourself in the stunning and unique beauty of Europe without the hassle of land travel. Our collection of award-winning luxury cruises offers you the perfect European experience along enchanting waterways. Choose from a variety of itineraries along the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube rivers, as well as the French rivers Seine, Rhone and Bordeaux, the Douro River in Portugal and Spain, and the picturesque Venetian Lagoon in Northern Italy.
Europe
Egypt
Egypt
Explore the magic of ancient Egypt aboard the safety and luxury of a river cruise. Follow the lifeline of Egyptian civilization along the Nile River, where you’ll experience the most incredible sights during onshore tours. Wander among the towering ruins of the Temple of Luxor, and venture into the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty.
Asia Embark on a journey through exquisite Asia, immersing yourself in a tapestry of natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and ancient traditions. From the comfort of your luxury cruise, explore destinations such as India and The Ganges, the Mekong River, Vietnam, Cambodia and beyond.
Asia
Other River Cruises Cruise into the heart and soul of America by visiting plantation houses along the incredible Mississippi River. Alternatively, explore the lush rainforests and exotic wildlife on an Amazon River cruise. If you prefer staying close to home, experience the untouched beauty of Australia’s largest river system on a Murray River cruise.
ACCOR VACATION CLUB TRAVEL It’s Australia by Train. On The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern. From north to south, east to west, explore ever-changing landscapes, culture, and people. While there are many ways to see it, only one allows you to do it with ease and in comfortthe fabulous fun of rail travel, where everything converges in a theatre-like performance. Onboard, the stage is set as your backdrop whizzes by. Familiar and friendly service guides the way, making every moment another glorious memory in this spectacular show – from the food and cabins to the Outback Explorer Lounge, the friends you make, the Off Train Experiences, and the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Did we mention the food? It’s truly a journey of epic proportions, effortlessly facilitated by Journey Beyond.
North to South, 2-4 days North to South, 2-4 days Australia’s legendary journey Australia’s legendary journey
East to West, 2-4 days East to West, 2-4 days The Nullarbor andand beyond The Nullarbor beyond
TheEast East Coast, The Coast, 3-4 3-4 daysdays A A summer summeradventure adventure
Travel between Darwin and Adelaide Travel between Darwin and Adelaide through Australia’s spectacular Red Red through Australia’s spectacular Centre, discovering the people, Centre, discovering the people, placesplaces stories that shape the country. andand stories that shape the country.
TheThe ultimate Australian crossing. ultimate Australian crossing. Sydney. The Blue The Silver Sydney. TheMountains. Blue Mountains. TheCity. Silver City. The Barossa Adelaide and surrounds. The Barossa Valley.Valley. Adelaide and surrounds. mighty Nullarbor to Perth. AndAnd the the mighty Nullarbor to Perth.
Epic coastlines, mountain ranges, Epic coastlines, mountain ranges, the country’s Capital and three the country’s Capital and distinctly three distinctly different major cities, all in one eclectically Australian summer endeavour. Australian summer endeavour.
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The most generous travel, dining and lifestyle programme in Asia Pacific enables you to do more. Join Accor Plus and enjoy:
— Up to 50% savings on stays
and dining across Asia Pacific
— A Stay Plus free night — ALL - Accor Live Limitless Elite status with bonus 20 status nights
— Exclusive offers and events.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Accor Vacation Club members are exclusively invited to join Accor Plus for $299 (usually $399). Plus we’ll gift you with a secondary membership absolutely FREE (usually $159). That’s an incredible saving of $259! Call 1300 363 637 to join, quoting your AVC
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*Membership price is valid for 12 months and exclusive to Accor Vacation Club Members. To be eligible for the offer you must quote a valid Accor Vacation Club Membership number. ANNUAL EDITION 2023 Only one (1) Primary Accor Plus Membership can be purchased at this exclusive price per Accor Vacation Club Member.
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